75mil EPDM membrane for Severe winter conditions

The project originated when Mr. Ivan Petrov, the owner of a warehouse in St. Petersburg, Russia, visited our website to search for reliable waterproofing solutions. He was particularly interested in our EPDM roofing membranes after reviewing our product information and case studies.

During the initial communication, Mr. Petrov explained his main concerns: the warehouse roof would need to endure St. Petersburg’s harsh climate, including long, cold winters, freeze–thaw cycles, and heavy snow loads, while still being cost-effective due to budget constraints. He was seeking a high-performance yet affordable roofing solution that could provide long-term durability and withstand the extreme local weather conditions.

Client Requirements and Challenges

Through detailed communication, we learned the client had several key requirements:

• Cold climate: The roof would be installed in autumn/winter, with temperatures near or below freezing, raising concerns about adhesive performance and membrane flexibility.

• Budget constraints: The local economic situation required a cost-conscious solution, without sacrificing reliability.

• Long service life: The client hoped to install a roofing system that could last 20+ years with minimal maintenance.

• Installation quality: Mr. Petrov was concerned whether the membrane could be installed properly in cold weather and whether the system would perform reliably after installation.

Our Solution

Based on our expertise and local climate conditions, we recommended self-adhesive butyl EPDM membranes, which provide excellent flexibility in cold temperatures, long-term waterproofing, and a proven service life in cold regions.

• Original recommendation: 80 mil or 90 mil EPDM, which offers superior durability and long-term resistance to thermal cycling and UV aging.

• Final selection: Due to cost considerations, the client chose 75 mil self-adhesive EPDM, which still ensures excellent performance and a projected lifespan exceeding 20 years under proper installation and maintenance.

• Installation considerations: We advised that installation should be carried out only when the ambient temperature is above 5°C, to ensure proper adhesion and seam performance, particularly during late autumn.

After installation, the warehouse roof demonstrated:

• Excellent adhesion and waterproof performance, even during the winter months.

• Flexibility under low temperatures, accommodating thermal movement and freeze–thaw cycles without cracking.